Sometimes humans come together because of their dogs.Born six months apart and living a stone’s throw away from each other, my border collie Rosie and Ann’s German shepherd Ette were destined to become best friends.For ten years, just the mention of the other’s name would prompt a surge of excitement.And they made sure that Ann and I came to the party.Our friendship ran parallel to theirs.

And now, with both our old girls gone, we have embarked on a journey with two new dogs.The other morning Ann rang asking if I’d mind if she stopped by with her eight-week-old GSD Jass.Not only did I not mind, I was delighted!I flew down the driveway in my pyjamas to unlock the gate and then back into the house to throw on some proper clothes (in all my excitement, I reversed the order).Our Labrador Lila trailed after me expectantly.Desperate to guess what was up and looking every which way for a clue.[read more below]

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When the new baby arrived, Lila was beside herself.Despite her extreme enthusiasm, she treated this tiny little fuzz ball with oversized ears folded absurdly atop her head with unprecedented gentleness (normally Lila’s a VERY boisterous dog).Admittedly, at first she did bark quite a lot, but only in the hope of initiating a game.And baby Jass coped beautifully.Not the least bit scared of my big brown dog.She even talked back.This first meeting had all the hallmarks of the start of yet another friendship strong and true.

[If you have received this post by email, please click “dog downunder” or “little puppy visits big brown dog” in order to view accompanying video in a web page.]